Matt McGuinness: We Are What We Overcome (Ingenious Fools / Furthest From The Sea)

Though he describes himself as an inexperienced public speaker, Matt McGuiness produces an engaging spoken word performance here, interspersed with his own songs. He takes us through his “broken and fixed” childhood in Crosby, Merseyside, as well as the issues he’s faced as an adult. In a moving tale he relates how the Anthony Gormley statues on the beach of his home town – and the way they remain upright in all conditions – inspired him in his darkest times, and he makes a plea to all to get professional help if required. The songs are well performed too, the highlight being the tender ‘Everything Under the Moon’ with which he concludes a touching and honest performance. His “rash decision” to perform at the Fringe was a good one.